Free support group for church leader spouses

When:

Second Monday of the month

Monthly group

When:

Online via zoom

Join:

The concept

 To support the wives of those involved in Christian ministry where they are in a position that may or may not include them having a paid or recognised role in the church of which they are part.

 We recognise that this role carries particular constraints that may include:

·      Personal expectations of the ministry you would like to be involved in not shared by the church

·      Expectations of the church family put on you that you that do not align with you.

·      Blurred boundaries between home and your husband’s work life.

·      Different expectations of boundaries between yourself and your husband

·      The challenge of having your own identity, rather than the leader’s wife – you have a name!

·      Not able to share honestly with your church family – the need to find your own spiritual nurture at times

·      The expectation that you are the ‘backdoor’ to the leader

·      The lack of support from church denominations for you

·      Loneliness

·      Always feel ‘on duty’, watched and responsible

·      Not necessarily trained, yet expected to fulfil certain roles (e.g. pastoral, counselling, bible study..)

The support group is not for counselling or necessarily advice, however a space firstly to be listened to, and secondly to share experiences with a group of ladies who are in similar positions.

There will be opportunities to be able to be listened to in a supportive environment without interruption, questions, comments or advice.  It is not a place to receive counselling, rather a self-reflective space as we give voice to our own thoughts and feelings which often brings awareness at a deeper level than just our conscious thoughts.

There will also be opportunities to reflect on common issues and hear different perspectives.

The benefits

·      A confidential space to be able to speak about what is on your mind in a supportive environment.

·      No pressure to ‘help’ others through responding other than to listen attentively.

·      The opportunity to gain new perspectives and feel less isolated

·      A place to gain peer support across denominations

·      A WhatsApp group for support and encouragement throughout the month

Group agreement

When listening –

·      be present and give good eye contact and affirmations without interrupting, asking questions, making comments, or judgement.

·      please keep what you hear confidential

When speaking –

·      take responsibility for what you share.

·      this is a space to be able to explore our thoughts and feelings without interruptions.

·      Safeguarding / Prevent will be taken seriously.  If something is heard that concerns people regarding the safety of the speaker or someone else, please contact me and where possible I will signpost to the appropriate agency